The snowy cotinga is a medium-sized species of passerine bird in the family Cotingidae. It is found in Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Panama.
Region
Central America (Caribbean slope)
Typical Environment
Occurs from the Caribbean lowlands of eastern Honduras through Nicaragua and Costa Rica into western Panama. Favors the upper canopy of humid evergreen forest, tall secondary growth, and forest edges. Frequently visits fruiting trees along rivers and in partially cleared areas where tall emergent trees remain. It is a canopy specialist and is rarely seen at ground level.
Altitude Range
Sea level to 600 m
Climate Zone
Tropical
Ease of Keeping
Beginner friendly: 1/5
The snowy cotinga is a canopy-dwelling cotinga best known for the male’s striking, all-white plumage that can look like a floating snowball against dark rainforest foliage. Females are much subtler, with gray, finely scaled plumage that camouflages well among branches. They are largely silent and unobtrusive, often noticed when flying between tall trees or gathering quietly at fruiting trees. Habitat loss in lowland Caribbean forests is the main concern for this species.
Temperament
quiet and unobtrusive
Flight Pattern
short rapid wingbeats between high perches
Social Behavior
Usually solitary or in pairs, but may join small loose groups at fruiting trees. Perches high in the canopy, often on exposed snags for brief periods before moving on. Nests are placed high in trees; breeding likely timed to local rainy seasons when fruit is abundant.
Migratory Pattern
Resident
Song Description
Generally quiet; gives soft, thin whistles and brief, subdued notes. Vocalizations carry poorly and are used mainly for contact rather than elaborate song.
